Modular bite block and sensor holder apparatus for dental x-ray procedures

ABSTRACT

A dental bite block ( 20 ) and sensor holder ( 21 ) assembly ( 11 ) has a bite block ( 20 ) configured ( 31 ) to detachably affix to a sensor holder ( 21 ). Affixing surfaces ( 30, 31 ) are provided between the bite block ( 20 ) and the sensor holder ( 21 ) such that the sensor holder ( 21 ) is removably affixed to the bite block ( 20 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is a bite block and sensor holder apparatusfor use during dental x-ray procedures. More particularly, the inventionis a modular bite block and sensor holder assembly, such that a givensensor can be used with bite blocks for different x-ray procedures.Also, provided is an improved aiming ring for use in dental x-rayprocedures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Dental radiographs are made using x-ray examination units, oftenincluding an x-ray cone or tube positioned proximate the patient andaligned to take x-rays of certain teeth. Dental x-ray sensors, includingfilms, charge coupled devices, phosphor imaging plates or the like,often have a generally flat or plate-like configuration and standardizeddimensions so that the sensor can be placed into the oral cavity.

[0003] The sensor is placed into the patient's mouth and held in placeproximate to the tooth or teeth to be examined. The x-ray's are directedthrough the target teeth and then through the sensor. It has been foundthat proper orientation of the sensor is required to eliminatedistortions and improper focus.

[0004] To ensure proper orientation of the sensor, sensor carriers with“bite blocks” have been developed. These devices often have a plate forholding the sensor and another plate that the patient bites down upon toposition the device and the carried sensor. A bite block is shown forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026.

[0005] Different sensors are often used depending upon the area of themouth to be examined. This may include for example, endo, posterior,anterior, left, right, upper and lower bite wings, and the like. Knownbite blocks and sensor holders have been individually designed andmanufactured for each different type of sensor. The dimensions of thesensor and the holder dictate the degree of secured positioning of thesensor in the holder.

[0006] A dental professional may have a large number of x-ray sensorswith varying sizes and shapes, and hence, a similarly large number ofsensor holders. The dental professional is often faced with employing adifferent sensor or set of sensors, holders and bite blocks dependingupon the particular x-ray procedure being employed. At best, it is timeconsuming to change between sensors, sensor holders and bite blocks.

[0007] A need exists therefore, for a sensor holder/bite block assemblyor apparatus, which will accommodate different sizes and shapes of x-raysensors. It has also been found that a need exits for an aiming ringthat will accommodate more than one size or shape of dental x-raycollimator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a dental x-ray biteblock.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a bite blockhaving an x-ray sensor holder.

[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a bite blockand sensor holder assembly, which can be employed to hold a variety ofsensors of different shapes or sizes.

[0011] It is yet another object of the invention to provide such amodular bite block which will detachably connect to a sensor holder.

[0012] These and other objects of the present invention, as well as theadvantages thereof over existing art forms, which will become apparentin view of the following specification are accomplished by meanshereinafter described and claimed.

[0013] In general, a dental bite block and sensor holder assemblycomprises a bite block configured to detachably affix to a sensorholder. Affixing means are provided between the bite block and thesensor holder such that the sensor holder is removably affixed to thebite block.

[0014] Preferred forms of the subject dental bite block and sensorholder assembly are shown by way of example in the accompanyingdrawings, and are deemed sufficient to effect a full disclosure of theinvention. The exemplary assembly is described in detail withoutattempting to show all of the various forms and modifications in whichthe invention might be embodied; the invention being measured by theappended claims and not by the details of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a bite block and sensorholder assembly, embodying the concepts of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of an alternativeembodiment of a bite block and sensor holder assembly, also embodyingthe concepts of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of another alternativeembodiment of a bite block and sensor holder assembly, also embodyingthe concepts of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the sensor holder portionof the invention as depicted in FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of an aiming ring and biteblock assembly according to the invention; and

[0020] It is also to be appreciated that complex profile 30 may beconfigured to have a plurality of arms 50 and 51, each carrying its owncomplex profile 30. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in thedrawings, sensor 21 has two arms 50 and 51, it being understood that anynumber of arms is within the scope of the invention. It is also to beappreciated that any means of detachably affixing sensor 21 to biteblock 20 is within the scope of the invention. This may include, bolts,screws, nuts, locking mechanisms, or the like without limitation, all ofwhich are within the scope of the invention and the term “modular.”

[0021] Sensor holder 21 will be configured to receive one or moresensors. For example, in the sensor 21 depicted in FIGS. 1-3, a backsupport 60 and clip arms 61, 62 are employed. A sensor (not shown) canbe secured within sensor 21. Because any sensor holder of anyconfiguration is within the scope of the invention, and because suchsensor holders are conventional in the art, no specific sensor holder,or bit block, is necessarily a limitation of the present invention.

[0022] For example, FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of a sensorholder 21 a. Sensor holder 21 a is configured with a back support 60similar to back support 60 of sensor 21. However, in place of clip arms61 and 62 of sensor 21, sensor 21 a is provided with upper clip arm 70,generally opposing a lower clip arm 71. A conventional sensor (again,not show) is supported between clip arms 70, 71 and back support 60.Otherwise, sensor 21 a is substantially similar in its modular design tosensor 21.

[0023]FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a bitewing block 80.Bitewing 80 is provided with a groove 81 on the bite surface 82 to helpthe user in positioning a sensor (not shown) held by block 80. Groove 81helps to register wuch such a sensor. It will also be appreciated thatblock 80 is of an overall thin design, allowing for greater patientcomfort as compared to prior bite blocks.

[0024] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be apparentthat the use of the modular bite block and sensor holder assemblydescribed herein will carry out the objects set forth hereinabove. Itis, therefore, to be understood that any variations evident fall withinthe scope of the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specificcomponent elements or parts can be determined without departing from thespirit of the invention herein disclosed and described. Thus, the scopeof the invention shall include all modifications and variations that mayfall within the scope of the attached claims.

[0025]FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of an aiming ring and biteblock assembly according to the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] An x-ray sensor-positioning device according to the invention isgenerally designated by the number 10 on the attached drawings. Assembly10 is preferably configured to have a conventional dental x-ray guidearm 12. An exemplary guide arm and its use with a bite block for takinga dental x-ray is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026, which isincorporated by reference for its disclosure of a guide arm and biteblock. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, guide arm 12 may be configured to beaffixable to an x-ray tube collimator-positioning ring 13 in aconventional manner. Such a ring is also shown for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 3,473,026, and, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 237,016 which are incorporated byreference for disclosure of such a ring.

[0027] Aiming ring 13 a, FIG. 5, shows a plurality of regularly spaced,opposing steps 13 b for receiving and registering a collimator (notshown). One set of such steps is known in the art (see for example, U.S.Pat. No. Des. 237,016). The present invention employs two sets of steps13 b in order to allow registration of more than one size of collimator.Although it is preferred to “concentrically” arrange one set of steps 13b within another, sets of steps 13 b can be offset if desired. Grooves14 can be provided in the exterior diameter of aiming ring 13 a, suchthat an x-ray tubehead (not shown) can be aligned to wholly encompasswhatever xray sensor is held by positioning device 10.

[0028] A bite block and sensor holder assembly 11 is provided as part ofdevice 10, and includes a bite block 20 and a sensor holder 21 (FIG. 1).Bite block 20 is generally configured for use in a specific x-rayprocedure. For example, bite block 20 in FIG. 1 is of a configurationuseful for an endo x-ray. Bite block 20 a (FIG. 2) is suited for use intaking a bitewing x-ray, and FIG. 3 shows a bite block 20 b useful intaking an anterior or posterior x-ray image. Each bite block 20, 20 aand 20 b serve the same function, that is providing an area that isclamped between a patient's teeth. Given the requirements of a specificx-ray however, different shapes of bite blocks are required. Theinvention will be exemplified herein with reference to bite block 20 ofFIG. 1 for purposes of this discussion (unless otherwise noted), itbeing understood that the invention is equally useful with bite blocks20 a, 20 b or indeed, any conventional bite block shape or size withoutlimitation.

[0029] There is removably attached to bite block 20 the sensor holder21. It is likely that a dental professional will use one size and shapeof sensor, be it x-ray film, CCD or phosphor plate technology fordifferent x-rays (endo, anterior, posterior, bitewing or the like).Before the present invention, it would be standard practice for thedental professional to have a variety of bite block/sensor holdersintegrally formed together. According to the present invention, thesensor holder 21 and the bite block 20 are not integrally formed butrather detachably affixed. Further, the structure to attach a sensorholder 21 to a bite block 20 (which will be discussed and exemplifiedbelow), is the same no matter what the shape of the given bite block 20,20 a or 20 b. In this manner, it will be appreciated that a singlesensor holder can be used to attach to a different bite block 20, 20 aor 20 b. This is termed a “modular” design for purposes of thisdiscussion. It will also be appreciated that a bite block may be usedwith different sizes and shapes of sensor holders. Again, the inventionwill be exemplified herein with respect to a single sensor holder 21.

[0030] To be detachably affixed to a bite block 20, sensor holder 21must be provided with attachment means that correspond to attachmentmeans carried by the bite block 20. By providing bite block 20 with thesame attachment means as bite blocks having other shapes, such as biteblocks 20 a and 20 b, the same sensor 21 can be detachably affixed toany bite block 20, 20 a or 20 b, or indeed, any bite block carrying thesame attachment means.

[0031] Any attachment means between sensor holder 21 and bite block 20is within the scope of the invention, the only criteria being that thetwo components be held securely with respect to each other and that theybe removable. Again, this aspect is termed being “modular” in design. Apreferred attachment means is a complex profile or tab 30 carried bysensor holder 21 and an at least partially corresponding slot 31 carriedby bite block 20. It is understood that bite block 20 could easily beconfigured to carry complex profile 30 and that sensor holder 21 couldcarry slot 31 and still be within the scope of the invention. Theinvention will be exemplified with sensor 21 carrying complex profile30.

[0032] By “complex profile” it is meant a plurality of surfaces, such assurfaces 30 a-30 f (FIG. 1) each at some angle to at least one other.Complex profile tabs 30 and corresponding slots 31 can also be round andstill fall within the scope of the definition of “complex profile”.Surfaces 30 a-f of complex profile 30 need not necessarily be linear,but may be curvilinear, such as surface 30 g, or even round. By “slot”it is meant some surface such as surface 31 a configured to receive atleast one surface of complex profile 30 such as surface 30 c.

[0033] Preferably, slot 31 is configured to receive complex profile 30in such a manner that a plurality of surfaces 30 a-f physically engageor touch slot 31 and at least some other portion of bite block 20. Byproperly configuring the actual dimensions of these components, sensor21 can be held securely to bite block 20. The fit between complexprofile 30 and slot 31 may also be a friction fit. It will beappreciated that to secure sensor 21 to bite block 20, complex profile30 is received within slot 31. To detach or remove sensor 21 from biteblock 20, it is merely necessary to slide complex profile 30 from slot31.

[0034] An alternative embodiment of slot 31 is shown by way of examplein FIG. 3 as slot 40. Slot 40 is itself also of a “complex profile”substantially corresponding in shape and dimension to the shape anddimension of complex profile 30.

We claim:
 1. A dental x-ray positioning device comprising: a bite blockand sensor holder assembly, and means to removably affix said sensorholder to said bite block.
 2. A device as in claim 1, wherein saidsensor holder has means to removably affix a dental x-ray sensorthereto.
 3. A device as in claim 2, wherein said has means to removablyaffix a dental x-ray sensor includes means to affix a dental x-ray film.4. A device as in claim 2, wherein said has means to removably affix adental x-ray sensor includes means to affix a digital x-ray sensor.
 5. Adevice as in claim 1, wherein said means to removably affix said sensorholder to said bite block comprises a complex profile tab carried bysaid one of said bite block or said sensor holder, and an at leastpartially corresponding slot carried by the other of said bite block orsaid sensor holder.
 6. A device as in claim 5, wherein said sensorholder carries two of said complex profile tabs, each of which has adifferent configuration from the other; and, said bite block carries twoslots, each of which at least partially corresponds in shape to one ofsaid two complex profile tabs carried by said sensor holder; such thatsaid slots each can receive one of said complex profile tabs, therebyremovably affixing said sensor holder to said bite block.
 7. A dentalpositioning device kit comprising: a bite block and at least two sensorholders, each of which is separately and removably affixable to saidbite, block; each of said sensor holders having means to removably affixa dental x-ray sensor thereto, and each said means to removably affix adental x-ray sensor of each said sensor holder being of a differentconfiguration from that of the other said sensor holder.
 8. A method ofassembling a bite block and sensor holder assembly for the taking of adental x-ray comprising the steps of: inserting a complex profile tabcarried by said sensor holder into a receiving slot carried by said biteblock, and either before or after that step positioning a dental x-raysensor into said sensor holder.
 9. A dental x-ray aiming device of thetype having an aiming ring, a set of steps on said aiming ring toregister a dental x-ray collimator, a bite block and dental x-raysensor, said aiming ring and said bite block being held in an opposingrelation by a support arm, the improvement comprising: providing saidaiming ring with at least two sets of said steps, such that at least twodifferent sizes of collimators may be registered by the same aimingring.
 10. A device as in claim 9, wherein said sets of steps areconcentrically arranged.
 11. A device as in claim 9, wherein the outerdiameter of said aiming ring is provided with aiming grooves.